The world of football lost this Thursday, Christmas Day, one of the most talented players that Scotland has given to the beautiful game. … John Robertson has died at the age of 72, sad news that has had a strong impact, especially in Nottingham. The Scottish winger played more than 500 games with the ‘tricky trees’ and was capital in the best Nottingham Forest in history.
Robertson assisted Trevor Francis with a phenomenal cross at the Munich Olympics in 1979 against Malmo in the goal that gave Forest the first European Cup and, a year later, in an impressive setting like the Santiago Bernabéu, he scored the winning goal against Hamburg to achieve the second consecutive ‘orejona’ under the mandate of Brian Clough. The historic English coach nicknamed him ‘The Picasso of our sport’ for his talent on the green. He was ambidextrous, could play on both wings and stood out for being a magical dribbler.
Nottingham Forest has said goodbye to him with a nice statement on social networks in which they consider him the best player in their history. “We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of a club legend and good friend, John Robertson. A truly great person at the club and double European champion, his unrivaled talent, humility and devotion to Nottingham Forest will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with the family, friends and everyone who loved John. Rest in peace, Robbo… The greatest.
Extra-sports habits
However, everything could have gone to waste a few years before enjoying the best moments of his career. In 1976, Peter Taylor, Brian Clough’s historic assistant with whom the legendary English coach had his ups and downs later, had a meeting with Robertson in which he told him that either he changed his habits or he was out of the club. The Scotsman used to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and eat a lot of fried foods. That was partly one of the reasons why it was so difficult for him to find a place in the team since his arrival in May 1970.
Robertson came out of that meeting changed and, although he did not radically change all his habits, he did modify his lifestyle enough to be able to display his best football.
In addition to his club career, he played 28 official matches for the Scottish national team. His big international moment came in 1981, when he scored the winning goal against England at Wembley in the British Championship.
After his retirement, he had an important career on the bench as assistant to Martin O’Neill, with whom he worked for five years at Celtic, winning 3 league titles and taking the ‘Bhoys’ to the UEFA final. They were also together in England at Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester City and Aston Villa.
